# NTSB Accident ERA15FA178
> **HUGHES 369D** · 2015-04-06 · Cherokee, AL, USA · FATL
## Event
- **NTSB number:** ERA15FA178
- **Event ID:** 20150407X12857
- **Type:** Accident
- **Date:** 2015-04-06
- **Location:** Cherokee, AL, USA
- **Coordinates:** 34.842777, -87.934448
## Injuries
- **Highest injury:** FATL
- **Fatal:** 1
- **Serious:** 0
- **Minor:** 0
- **Uninjured:** 0
- **Total aboard:** 1
## Aircraft
- **Make:** HUGHES
- **Model:** 369D
- **Registration:** N555JC
- **FAR Part:** 091
- **Engines:** —
- **Damage:** SUBS
## Conditions
- **Light:** DAYL
- **Weather:** IMC
## Probable cause

The pilot's spatial disorientation during a low-level river crossing in rainy, gray, reduced visibility meteorological conditions, which resulted in the helicopter's subsequent descent and impact with the water. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to attempt the low-level crossing under those meteorological conditions.

---
*Source: [NTSB CAROL](https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-main-public/basic-search?source=ntsb&type=event&ntsb_number=ERA15FA178) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*